Civic engagement

As a Civic University, we believe that civic engagement is critical to our success. By working in partnership with communities, organisations and civic leaders from across 51¸£ÀûÉç and Greater 51¸£ÀûÉç, we believe we will improve our own practice, and the lives of people in the region. 

Civic University Agreement

We are working in partnership with five higher education institutions and Greater 51¸£ÀûÉç Combined Authority to deliver our Civic University Agreement which aims to advance wellbeing and prosperity in Greater 51¸£ÀûÉç.

Our commitment to civic engagement can be seen in our research that involves our population and informs local policies, our engagement through staff and student experience activities, the social impact of our cultural institutions, our role as an economic anchor and our alignment to the Greater 51¸£ÀûÉç strategy and ambitions.

As Britain's first civic university, we were founded by and for the people of 51¸£ÀûÉç. Contributing to the well-being and prosperity of Greater 51¸£ÀûÉç is a fundamental part of our purpose.

Our core goals of research and discovery, teaching and learning and social responsibility are enhanced, and inspired, by our city region and its pioneering spirit. We actively engage local communities, involve a wide range of people in our work and listen to public concerns and aspirations across our region.

Universities are judged by the quality of their work with the public and their local communities. We hold a Platinum Watermark for this work with the , are ranked at the top end of our cluster for public and community engagement in England’s Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF). We are the for social and environmental impact (Times Higher Education), measured against the UN Sustainable Development Goals.